Today, we make our pick of the top 5 goals from the exceptional career of former Spurs, Real Madrid, and Wales icon – Gareth Bale.
Considered by many to be the greatest Welsh footballer of all time, Bale rose to prominence at Tottenham Hotspur. Whilst with the North London side, he developed from a promising left-back to one of the most dynamic wingers in the game.
This saw Bale earn two PFA Player of the Year trophies during his time at Tottenham, a team that he would return to on loan in 2020. However, his most successful years were with Real Madrid.
Bale became a Galactico for a then World Record transfer fee. Despite the lofty price tag, Bale lived up to the hype in his first season. He helped Los Blancos achieve “La Decima” – their tenth Champions League title. The Welshman would then go on to add four more UCL winner’s medals to his trophy cabinet.
On the international stage, Bale led Wales on a dream run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. This was his country’s first international tournament since the 1958 World Cup – and they certainly made up for lost time.
Appearances at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup were also memorable experiences for Welsh fans, thanks to their heroic captain.
With 186 club goals, plus 40 international strikes, Gareth Bale has scored plenty of bangers – but which goals make his top 5?
#5: vs Inter Milan, 2010/11 Champions League group stage
A blistering Gareth Bale scored a fantastic Champions League hat-trick at San Siro back in 2010, featuring one of the top 5 goals of his career.
The Spurs winger demonstrated his devastating pace as he burst past the likes of Maicon and Javier Zanetti. Eventually, Bale brought his brilliant run from his own half to an end with a clinical drive across goal to the far bottom corner.
What makes the finish all the more impressive was the cleanness of the strike. Even though he was running at speed, Bale connected beautifully with the ball on the shot.
Sadly, Bale’s treble was not enough to stop Tottenham from suffering defeat. Inter claimed a 4-3 win from their Group A encounter, with Samuel Eto’o grabbing a brace.
#4: vs West Ham, 2012/13 Premier League
Gareth Bale scored a beautiful winner during a trip to West Ham back in 2013 – with the strike earning a spot in his top 5 career goals.
Bale had already scored in the London match-up, although the game was finely balanced at 2-2 heading into the last few minutes.
After receiving a quick pass, Bale unleashed a superb, dipping shot that sailed out of the reach of the keeper and into the top right corner. It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and certainly deserving of a place on this list.
Thankfully, Tottenham did indeed hold on to take a 3-2 victory.
#3: vs Stoke, 2010/11 Premier League
A sublime volley comes in third on the top 5 goals from Gareth Bale. And once again, the Welshman proved decisive in helping Spurs pick up a win.
A deep cross to the back post found Bale, who had dropped into a bit of space. To many, the ball seemed to be sailing at an unreachable height – but not for the Spurs star. Instead, he connected with a gorgeous volley that zipped across the goal and into the top-right corner.
Like the previously mentioned goal at West Ham, this effort against Stoke earned Tottenham a win. They beat the Potters 2-1, with Bale getting both goals in the match.
#2: vs Barcelona, 2013/14 Copa del Rey Final
A goal with arguably the most recognizable heat map of all time, Bale’s unreal solo goal against Barcelona comes in second place.
The winger’s electric pace and sheer power saw him overtake Marc Bartra whilst running off the pitch and coming back on. Having blasted past the Barca defender, Bale then showed great composure to slot home past Pinto.
This goal made Gareth Bale an instant hero among Real Madrid fans. He had thwarted their El Clasico rivals from silverware, whilst also delivering a Copa del Rey title for Los Blancos.
From here, Real went on to claim the 2013/14 Champions League, where Bale scored in another final for Madrid. It was not a bad first season in Spain, all things considered.
#1: vs Liverpool, 2018 Champions League Final
Arguably the greatest Champions League Final goal of all time, this unbelievable Gareth Bale bicycle kick comes in first place of his top 5 goals.
Bale’s decisive cameo in the 2018 showpiece between Real and Liverpool featured an absolutely awesome goal. Prior to it, though, the Welshman had put Los Blancos 2-1 up thanks to a speculative – if fortuitous – shot. However, there was nothing but skill on this goal.
A Marcelo cross into the box ended up travelling just behind Bale. So, to compensate, he pulled off a tremendous overhead kick. His effort flew out of the reach of Loris Karius and handed Real Madrid a 3-1 lead.
This explosive strike was enough to deliver Madrid’s third-consecutive Champions League title. The occasion, as well as the perfect technique, make this the clear No.1 on the top 5 goals from the career of Gareth Bale.
Featured image credit: Getty